Stow City Center Project

Creating a centralized community gathering space for all residents

• Destination Playground (Rebuild of Skip)
• Flexible Event Lawn with Public Programming

Public Programming

• Community gatherings
• Family movie nights
• Holiday events
• Kids’ programming
• Lunchtime entertainment (weekdays)
• Arts performances (e.g. theater, dance)
• Student activities, Outdoor learning programs

Skip Rebuild

The City of Stow is hard at work on its City Center Project, a development plan that will create a community gathering space on the site of the former SKIP Playground and adjacent property. This first project in the City Center development will focus on the rebuild of Skip Playground, creating an abundance of fun and easily accessible opportunities for families and children.  Installation of playground componentsis expected to take place in Summer 2023. 

This community amenity will serve as an anchor project for a comprehensive, long-term plan to develop a focal center for the City of Stow, successfully combining culture, recreation, leisure, education, wellness, inclusion, and more. Importantly, this project will engage residents and visitors alike.

Community Input
The City of Stow conducted a Visioning Workshop in 2019 that helped create a plan for the space. The workshop included members of the Parks and Recreation Board, Arts Commission, Commission on Inclusion, and Senior Citizens Commission. At the conclusion of the workshop, approximately 20 residents agreed to volunteer on ad hoc committees. The Playground Committee and the Steering (Fundraising) Committee were formed. Prior to COVID, the committees were meeting regularly to discuss their areas of focus. Both committees submitted recommendations to the administration. These recommendations helped shape the project as it developed.

They concluded with the mission of the project: “To create a welcoming, safe outdoor gathering space custom-tailored by the community for the community that encourages interactive, healthy play and independence for people of all ages and abilities.”

Fundraising
Prior to COVID, the Steering Committee was working hand in hand with the administration, and had acquired approximately $275,000 in pledged private donations for the project. Since then, the mayor and administration have raised a total of $656,000.

Selecting a Playground Company
With Parks and Recreation Board approval of a concept that was derived from volunteer input, the City administration solicited RFPs from playground companies for design and build of the playground. A final footprint and final equipment selection was decide upon, and the NEW SKIP playground components and amenities were ordered! Equipment delivery took place in Fall 2022. And then, installation of the playground will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Look for a GRAND OPENING of the NEW SKIP Playground in the Summer 2023!!!

KEY MILESTONES